Everbe 2.0 ransomware is the latest variant of Everbe ransomware and is spotted using the extension “[everest@airmail.cc].EVEREST”. The crooks behind this new variant still use the same encryption algorithm which is AES 256 and they have modified the obfuscation layers on some of its code to make it hard for any security or antivirus programs to detect it.

Once it invades a computer system, it starts executing its attack by connecting the infected system to a remote server. From there, it downloads more malicious components that are used for its information gathering and stealth protection modules. It first starts to employ the information gathering module used to obtain data about the infected system and the user. The harvested information, along with some malicious components are then used for the stealth protection module which is used to keep the crypto-malware invisible in the system from any programs that might interfere with its attack. Moreover, it might also make changes in the Windows Registry to achieve a persistent attack. After that, it looks for files with the following extensions:

.doc, .docx, .jpg, .lnk, .pdf, .xls, xlsx

After finding its targeted files, Everbe 2.0 ransomware starts the encryption process by applying the AES 256 cipher. Once it finishes the encryption, it adds the [everest@airmail.cc].EVEREST extension to every compromised file and drops the following files:

!_HOW_RECOVERY_FILES_!.txt

EVEREST LOCKER .txt

新建文本文档.txt

All the files listed above contains the ransom note which states:

“>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EVEREST LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< HELLO, DEAR FRIEND! 1. [ ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED! ] Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program. 2. [ HOW TO RECOVERY FILES? ] To receive the decryption program write to email: everest@airmail.cc And in subject write your ID: ID-[redacted 10 lowercase hex] We send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files. If you don’t get a reply, then contact us using xmpp: decryptors@xmpp.is 3. [ FREE DECRYPTION! ] Free decryption as guarantee. We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EVEREST LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<”

How does Everbe 2.0 ransomware spread over the web?

Everbe 2.0 ransomware spreads using several tactics such as unprotected RDP configuration, deceptive downloads, botnets, exploit kits, fake software or software updates, and spam emails. This is why you need to be more cautious in browsing the web and you must always keep both your antivirus programs and system updated.

Use the removal guide given below to wipe out Everbe 2.0 ransomware from your computer.

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is to obliterate the process of Everbe 2.0 ransomware by opening the Task Manager – simply tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.

Step 2: After that, click the Processes tab and look for suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to Everbe 2.0 ransomware and then end them all.

Step 3: Now that the malicious process is eliminated, close the Task Manager.

Step 5: Under the list of installed programs, look for Everbe 2.0 ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.

Step 6: Then close Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.

Step 7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for Everbe 2.0 ransomware’s malicious components like the file named !_HOW_RECOVERY_FILES_!.txt, EVEREST LOCKER.txt and 新建文本文档.txt as well as other suspicious files it has created and downloaded into the system and then delete all of them.

%APPDATA%

%TEMP%

%WINDIR%\System32\Tasks

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\

%USERPROFILE%\Downloads

%USERPROFILE%\Desktop

Step 8: Close the File Explorer.

Before you go on any further, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use Advanced System Repair this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.

Step 9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Everbe 2.0 ransomware.

Step12. Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.

Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies

Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Everbe 2.0 ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.

To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.

After you’ve covered the steps provided above, you need to continue the removal process of Everbe 2.0 ransomware using a reliable program like Advanced System Repair. How? Follow the advanced removal steps below.

Perform a full system scan using asr. To do so, follow these steps:

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.

After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select SafeMode with Networking then hit